UltimateMama loves a great deal. As a matter of fact, UltimateMama craves discounts! In these tough economic times who doesn't like buying something great for a lot less.
Gymboree has a SWEET SALE going on right now! I was in a store today and snapped up a few nice outfits for almost 80% off! Whether you shop "brick and mortar" or online you can take an extra 20% off all sale items.
A few shopping TIPS while perusing sale racks if I may:
– Try to buy complete outfits. If a top looks cute then invest in the matching bottoms. Buy that t-shirt to go with those cute shorts. Don't cheap out. You will be happy when you see you child on the playground in a matching outfit that looks like a million bucks but was acquired at a STEEP DISCOUNT.
– If you like something buy it in the next few sizes. This is a great tip for parents of newborns. If you love Carter's onesies then when you catch a sale buy them in a variety of sizes: 3 months, 6 months, 9 months. Buy them in a nice gender neutral color like basic white so you can reuse them if you plan on having more kids or hand them down! UltimateMama is a big fan of Gap bathing suits and since my kids take swimming lessons 12 months a year I always stock up when the price falls below $10 per swimsuit.
– Think ahead…seasonally speaking that is. UltimateMama loves Hanna Andersson. At the end of each winter I monitor their online sales to purchase jackets for the next winter. After finding a gorgeous Journey's End Jacket at 50% off last winter I was completely bummed to discover the matching Winter Overalls were sold out. Not to fret, quick thinking UltimateMama went straight to eBay and found the matching Winter Overalls "new with tags" at a nice discount.
– Buy next year's Halloween costumes RIGHT after Halloween. This is a great tip for the first few years of your child's life when YOU are the costume decision-maker. Pottery Barn Kids has beautiful Halloween costumes and trick-or-treating bags on sale right now in November! Remember, Halloween is only 11 months away.
– Shop sample sales and trunk shows.
– Head into a thrift
store for clothing and accessories. You would be surprised how many items that
can be found in thrift stores are new with the original tags attached. Besides, many thrift stores have a charitable
element to them so your child is helping the environment (reduce, reuse and
recycle) and a charity at the
same time.
– Ask your friends and
family members for hand-me-down clothing and buy new accessories to "jazz up outfits".
– Shop online. I constantly fall in love with expensive shoes and boots for my kids while perusing the shelves of local boutiques BUT I try to hold off on major purchases until I check for online deals. Free shipping and free returns at Zappos make it worth the wait! Surprisingly, I have had incredible luck snatching up deals on ecco shoes as well as boots for the kids on Amazon!
– Don't forget Old Navy for cute basics. Each fall UltimateMama stocks up on Performance Fleece pants for the kids in a variety of colors. UltimateMama even bought a few of the boys pants for her daughter because she liked the red color!
